10th Grade Exhibition
Project Description
In this project, we learned lots about probability and programming. We did several in class activities dealing with the probabilities of events, and used the platform StarLogo Nova to program video games that included some form of randomization or chance. I learned lots about probability and made my first ever video game.
Project Process Overview
First, we came up with an idea for a game and what the probability aspect would be. In the next benchmark, we carved out some of the finer details, like how the game would work and what we would add to it. Then, the actual creation of the game began. We did tutorials on StarLogo Nova and began thinking about how we would make our games. Right after, we jumped into coding and testing and after a few weeks, most of us had working games. After showing our games off at exhibition, we analyzed them and came up with questions for the probabilities of events in the games and did a bit of a write up.
My Game
Game Link
For my StarLogo Nova game, I made a slot machine. I figured that a slot machine would be easy to do an analysis on, because casino games like them have probability inherently built into them. To play my game, click the setup button. Click the SPIN button to spin the wheels. Each spin costs $1. You can win on four different paylines as shown:
- 3 Aces in a row: $10
- 3 Kings in a row: $5
- 3 Queens in a row: $3
- 3 Jacks in a row: $2
- 2 Jacks in a row: $1
Project Reflection
Overall, I really enjoyed this project. I liked being able to create my own video game, even though it was difficult at times. I especially liked learning about statistics and probability, and I think that’s my new favorite area of math. I struggled a bit with my probability analysis, especially coming up with a problem to solve. However, I was able to use the habits Starting Small and Seek Why and Prove to find that problem and answer it. I tried using smaller numbers for the probabilities instead of the larger, original numbers. Once I got my answer, I proved it and tried to figure out why it was the answer to convince myself even more.